A new photograph of Fidel Castro has been published in Cuba's state-run Communist Youth newspaper, apparently showing the ailing former leader in improved health.

Mr Castro, 83, was dressed in a white shirt instead of the tracksuit he has worn in recent photos. The meeting with Rafael Correa occurred on Friday.

Mr Castro, the leader of the 1959 revolution that brought Communism to the Caribbean island, ceded power to his brother Raul undergoing an operation three years ago and he has not been seen in public since. He stepped down as president in February 2008.

Cuba's state-run press has published various photographs of Mr Castro meeting heads of state and other visitors in recent months, distributing them outside Cuba and on the internet, but news of his health is considered a state secret.

Fidel Castro and Mr Correa, who was in Cuba for a medical appointment, spoke on Friday about recent developments in their respective countries, Latin America and the world, accordng to an official statement.

While Fidel Castro leaves day-to-day running of the government largely to his brother Raul, who is 78, he remains influential behind the scenes and writes regular commentaries for state-run media.